Top Chef Brings Star Power and Stellar Flavors to Maui Restaurant

MAUI, HAWAII--(Marketwired - Mar 12, 2014) - If the rest of the world didn't already envy Maui enough for its perfect climate, relaxed atmosphere and paradise-like setting, the island recently added one more feather to its overstuffed cap: a star chef. Fresh off the set of "Top Chef" on Bravo, Chef Sheldon Simeon opened his first restaurant, Migrant, at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa in December 2013. And the results are nothing short of heavenly.

Though his Maui restaurant is new to the scene, Chef Simeon is not. The Hilo native may have started out with notions of becoming an architect, but he quickly switched gears when his older brother enrolled in culinary school. Tapping a family history that stretched back to the Philippines (his grandparents emigrated to work on Hawaiian plantations), Chef Simeon would go on to study at the University of Hawaii Maui Culinary Academy. From there, he dutifully progressed up the ladder of success, bussing tables, washing dishes and eventually making a name for himself at Star Noodle in Lahaina.

But the world really took notice of Chef Simeon when he appeared on "Top Chef." Earning not just third place but also the Fan Favorite award, Chef Simeon finally had the world's attention, including that of Shep Gordon, music industry-mogul-turned-restaurant-guru. Gordon brought Chef Simeon together with Chef Mark Ellman of Mala Restaurants to launch Migrant at one of the most luxurious Maui hotels around.

Ever faithful to his background, Chef Simeon has created a menu at Migrant that speaks to local ingredients and culinary traditions as much as those hailing from the Philippines, Portugal, China and Japan -- countries whose immigrants have also shaped the foodie scene in Hawaii.

The best of those influences can now be tasted at the luxurious Wailea hotel that Migrant calls home. Maui vegetables, for example, tempt from within the savory depths of Pancit Noodles, while Hawaiian beef becomes an epicurean masterpiece as Hibachi Hanger Steak, featuring nuoc cham, pickled shallots and watercress. Other delights -- think French Onion Ramen, Filipino-Style Sweet Pork and more -- ground the menu in a diversity of flavors and traditions that is at once modern and historic, local and global.

Complementing Chef Simeon's latest enterprise is the hotel's other flavor escape: Whale's Tale. The new juice bar is located on property and is the perfect place to rehydrate after a day at the beach or to whet one's appetite for dinner at Migrant. For all its advantages, after all, Maui only offers one opportunity to dine among the stars of culinary creativity, and it's one not to miss.

About the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & SpaIf one resort could encompass everything there is to love about Maui, it would be the luxurious Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Located between two white-sand beaches, this oceanfront property boasts three pools, a fitness center, the indulgent Mandara Spa, access to world-class golf at the nearby Wailea Golf Club, tennis courts, water sports and even a nightly luau dinner experience. Four other dining options complement the luau show, including the acclaimed Mala Wailea restaurant and the newly opened Migrant. Guest rooms are equipped with flat-screen televisions, deep-soaking bathtubs, plush bedding, mini-refrigerators and postcard-worthy views. Even business guests are catered to with 21 meeting rooms that include oceanfront space for inspiring events and conferences.

About Marriott HotelsWith 500 hotels and resorts in nearly 60 countries around the world, Marriott Hotels is evolving travel through every aspect of the guest's stay, enabling the next generation to Travel Brilliantly. Boldly transforming itself for mobile and global travelers who blend work and play, Marriott leads the industry with innovations, including the Greatroom, Future of Meetings and Mobile Guest Services that elevates style & design and technology. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.MarriottHotels.com.